LOSS OF THE BARUNGA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1863, 13 August 1918, Page 1

LOSS OF THE BARUNGA.

SURVIVORS’ NARRATIVES. CHEERFUL AUSTRALIANS. London, July 21. The Australian transport steamer Barunga. was sunk at daybreak on July 15th. There were upwards of 700 aboard, including 400 incapacitated Australians, when the explosion occurred. The -destroyers ef-fected-rescue work which an experienced seaman, who had survived several torpedoing*, told the Australian Press Assoeiation, was one of the most brilliant feats he had ever witnessed. The destroyers closed in on the sinking ship, and kept a sharp lookout for the submarine, ready to ram it or open fire if it appeared on the surface. Remarkable order prevailed on the Barunga. The Australians “groused” at being turned out of their bunks, but promptly took up their boat stations, and assisted in throwing overboard the rafts. They sang ragtime and cheered the sailors, who were- able to lower most of the boats. The Australians aboard the rafts appeared to enjoy their experience. They used their hands and pieces of wood as paddles, and shouted challenges to race comrades on other rafts, until they were picked up. The Australians returned to a Channel port, and proceeded to a convalescent camp, whore their comrades, gave them an ovation.

The Australians toll graphic stories of the disaster. “.We were waiting for the cookhouse call for a mica I, when a torpedo struck ns,” said a motor transport corporal. “It hit us fairly on the nose, well up on the bows, on the starboard side. Although the explosion was terrific, there was not the slightest commotion, All fell in quickly. The boats rapidly got away. The four nurses on board were first to enter the boat. When we turned up on deck we saw a submarine about two hundred yards away, half submerged. Our guns turned on her immediately, but she disapepared after travelling round our stern. Our seven lifeboats got away safely, with about twenty rafts. Several of our men fell into the sea, but were soon nicked up. ’ The colonel stood on the bridge with the ship’s captain. They were the lasi to leave the ship. All our fellows'look the affair lighU heartedly and jokingly. Some men paddling a raft sang ‘Australia Will Be There.’ The rescue work progressed wonderfully. The; sea was perfectly smooth. By eight o’clock every nuupwas taken aboard the destroyers,” On the cheek of the • Ba-rnnga’s troops and crew being- completed, everyone was accounted for.- The Ordnance Department'"has • arranged complete refits for the men.' who will soon be -ready, to-,recommence their journey. The officers Ipive been compensated tor the loss of their kits. There were many humorous incidents, proving the sangfroid of the men. The destroyers’ crews declared: “The Aussics are all right. We've never had such a happy-go-lucky crowd aboard.” The men arrived in all sorts of undress at the naval barracks, mostly shirts and clammy pants. The barracks provided temporary clothing. They were queer figures, but mightily pleased' with themselves. The’submarine cyme up 100 yards astern of the Barunga tw.o minutes after the explosion, and then dived, re-appearing"'3oo yards astern; If the destroyers had not been present the Germans’ would have done fearful work amongst the rafts and boats. The, officers moved amongst the men, inspecting lifebelts and arranging the rescue.